New Egypt, New Jersey sits within the eastern Pine Barrens region at approximately 100 feet elevation, featuring sandy soil conditions that influence camping experiences year-round. Wooded camping areas predominate, with most sites consisting of sandy or dirt surfaces rather than grass or gravel. The Pine Barrens ecosystem creates distinctive camping conditions with unique wildlife including ticks that campers should prepare for.
What to do
Archery opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities where visitors can practice their skills. According to Patrick M., "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels."
Water recreation options: Turkey Swamp Park features a small lake with multiple boating options during warm months. Dan W. notes, "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. The list goes on."
Hiking trail networks: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers extensive hiking through Pine Barrens ecosystems. According to Dorian P., "There is a good amount of trails and a Wawa down the street if you forgot anything for your trip." Another camper, Benjamin K., adds, "The walking trails! There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore."
Winter activities: Some area campgrounds maintain winter operations with seasonal recreation. Patrick M. mentions that at Turkey Swamp Park you can "ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
What campers like
Site privacy levels: Butterfly Camping Resort offers sites with natural barriers between neighbors. Tina D. explains, "The sites are cozy and each lined with natural shrubbery and in some cases fencing. They're well maintained and raked between campers."
Bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds near New Egypt maintain clean facilities. At Turkey Swamp Park, Lee D. reports, "Bath/Shower House: Very clean. Soap and paper towels are provided. The only thing missing were hooks or shelves for toiletries but there was a large bench that could be used."
Wilderness immersion: Allaire State Park provides a nature-focused experience despite highway proximity. As Beau B. explains, "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year."
Secluded settings: Some campgrounds offer greater isolation than others. Dorian P. appreciated that at Brendan Byrne State Forest "you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!"
What you should know
Site surfaces: Sandy soil dominates regional campgrounds, presenting challenges for tent stakes and cleanliness. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, Jenn M. notes, "My only issue is that there are no trees. It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around."
Seasonal camper presence: Several campgrounds accommodate long-term seasonal campers. Preston G. observes about Butterfly Camping Resort: "We are wintering here and it seems to be a great place so far. Most of the neighbors that have been here years are friendly as well as the staff."
Insect considerations: The Pine Barrens ecosystem includes significant tick populations. At Turkey Swamp Park, LAURA Y. warns, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Campground maintenance levels: Quality varies significantly between facilities. At Pine Cone Resort, Christine A. reports, "The sites were good sized, but the place is a little run down and could definitely use some work."
Tips for camping with families
Activity programs: Timberland Lake Campground provides themed weekends and events. Jessica D. explains, "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a DJ every Saturday!"
Kid-friendly environments: Multiple campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. At Butterfly Camping Resort, Caitlin F. notes, "There was tons of stuff to do. There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on."
Playground facilities: Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. Jesse C. observed at Pine Cone Resort: "Playground, pool, big open fields, horseshoes, basketball hoop. No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing."
Swimming options: Several facilities feature pools for summer recreation. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, Jojo P. mentions, "Bathrooms were clean and the pool was nice but very cold!!!! Not a big Campground but they fit us in last minute."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Indian Rock RV Resort provides full-service connections for recreational vehicles. According to Valen K., "We had full hookup access with no issues as well. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful."
Site leveling needs: Terrain across New Egypt area campgrounds frequently requires leveling equipment. At Turkey Swamp Park, Shawn notes, "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose."
Weather considerations: Seasonal storms can affect camping conditions significantly. A camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest, Megan S., advises, "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!"
Big rig access: Road conditions vary between campgrounds, affecting large RV accessibility. Howard P. from Adventure Bound Camping notes about his 29-foot trailer: "The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads."
